关键词: 数字鸿沟, 老年消费, 银发经济

Abstract: Based on data from the 2023 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), this study empirically examines the impact of the digital divide on older adults' consumption and its underlying mechanisms. The results show that a high-level digital divide significantly suppresses older adults' consumption. This negative effect is mediated by older adults' negative perceptions and attitudes toward aging. The moderating effects analysis suggests that social participation, family and peer support for older adults' Internet use can mitigate the suppressive effect of a high-level digital divide on older adults' consumption. The moderating effects vary depending on whether there are non-older adults in the household. The heterogeneity analysis shows that the suppressive effect of a high-level digital divide on consumption is more pronounced among the oldest-old, rural older adults, and those residing in economically underdeveloped regions. This study emphasizes the need to strengthen digital infrastructure, promote the age-friendly digital design, foster intergenerational digital literacy support within families, and strengthen social support and participation in community activities. Furthermore, a stratified and categorized digital inclusion support system should be established to meet the diverse consumption needs of different older adult populations.

Keywords: Digital Divide, Older Adults' Consumption, Silver Economy